Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma

After decades of use as a common building material, an indisputable link was discovered between asbestos and mesothelioma, a type of cancer that develops in the lining of organs throughout the body. Since its widespread use in the 1940s, millions of Americans have been exposed to this toxic material, and thousands have already died from this form of cancer.

Mesothelioma is most likely to develop as one of three types based on its location in the body. Pleural tumors are the most common and develop around the lungs, while peritoneal cancer occurs around the intestines and pericardial tumors form near the heart.

Part of the danger of mesothelioma involves the very long latency period of the contamination. For the majority of victims, symptoms can take from 20 to 50 years to develop, meaning that many who fall ill are already elderly and are less able to fight off the disease.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma include:

Abdominal tumors, which can cause pain, weight loss, or issues with bowel function

Blood clots in the veins

Chest pain

Chills

Cough or wheezing

Coughed up blood

Shortness of breath

Fatigue

Jaundice

Low blood sugar

Vomiting

According to The Mesothelioma Center, over 2,500 people died of the disease in 2010 alone, and over 30,000 people have fallen to the disease from 1999 to 2010.

As with other types of cancer, treatment requires a lengthy and challenging battle. Options can include radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy. The costs of needed care can quickly become overwhelming, as patients will likely need treatment or months or years. In addition to the cost of medical procedures and hospital visits, patients and their families may face the costs of medications, travel needs for specialized care, equipment such as wheelchairs, and potentially a loss of income.

Texas Attorney for Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there may be a company or manufacturer liable for the disease. Thousands of patients have already sought compensation for falling ill due to the toxic material used in a number of buildings and items. The accident lawyers at The Gutierrez Law Firm is familiar with the detailed nuances of seeking compensation for mesothelioma cases, and we can help you and your family during this troubling time.